A quality used vehicle and regular maintenance can be the most cost-effective means of transportation for college students with a limited income. Here are some tips for buying a used car and car maintenance tips to help you in your college journey.
What to Consider When Car Shopping
In a recent survey from ValuePenguin surveying 1,000 undergraduates, they found that “most college students (79%) drive used cars. And most (60%) say they paid less than $20,000 to purchase theirs.” With these stats in mind, it’s important to look into how to budget for a vehicle, if you are trying to keep costs relatively low.
If you are going car shopping for a vehicle for your teen driver or yourself before starting college, you want to consider a few factors when choosing the right vehicle. Do your research for a safe and reliable vehicle (among other considerations) that will give you and your family peace of mind.
Reliability
The last thing you want when you’re heading to class is a vehicle that breaks down on the side of the road. Reliability is one of the most important factors in choosing the best used model. Check out some of the top vehicle-rating sites, such as Edmunds.com or J.D.
Power, and look at which models are the most reliable on the road. For instance, Consumer Reports places Hyundai vehicles 6th in a list of 26 auto manufacturers. J.D. Power ranked it first in the 2019 Initial Quality survey.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is another factor to consider when choosing the best cars for college students. If you plan to come home on weekends, you’re going to want a vehicle that gets good gas mileage. A smaller car will likely get better fuel economy than a full-size model or SUV.
If you prefer an SUV for other reasons, you may want to consider a compact model over a mid-size or full-size SUV. For example, the Hyundai Kona offers better efficiency than a larger model.
You may want to consider a hybrid or electric vehicle. Many popular models offer a hybrid version, which improves fuel economy over the traditional gasoline trims. You can easily get 40 to 50 mpg with a hybrid vehicle, which will save money in the long term.
Maintenance
To keep your vehicle reliable with optimal fuel economy, you’ll also need to schedule regular maintenance. Routine maintenance helps prevent costly repairs later on.
For a quick checklist of car maintenance tips, consider the following:
- Have the oil changed regularly.
- Get your A/C tested at least once a year.
- Get the tires rotated on a regular basis.
- Have the service technicians inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn parts.
- Always use the recommended products in your vehicle.
- Check tire air pressure at least once a month.
Check your owner’s manual or ask the service technician about any maintenance that is needed for your vehicle.
Since oil changes are one of the most basic and important service tasks for regular vehicle maintenance, here are sometips for changing your oil:
- Check your owner’s manual for recommended mileage on oil changes.
- Use oil for high-mileage vehicles if your vehicle is older with a lot of miles.
- When you use synthetic oil, you can go longer between oil changes.
Popular Car Models for College Students
If you’ve started shopping for a vehicle, you may be overwhelmed by all the choices. Here is a list of some of the best cars for college students to help you narrow down your options.
The Subaru Outback is a more expensive option, but it’s loaded with safety features and is known for its longevity. With all-wheel drive, you can feel confident about handling adverse road conditions when coming home in the winter.
The Hyundai Tucson is a practical SUV for college students. They’ll find plenty of room to pack their gear when leaving for college or for bringing all that dirty laundry back home. This model is loaded with technology and an efficient engine with optional all-wheel drive.
The SUV has been awarded numerous titles with U.S. News and World Report, including Best Compact SUV for the Money, Best New Cars for Teens, and Best Compact SUV for Families.
When it comes to sedans, the Toyota Corolla is one of the best cars for college students because of the choice between hatchback and sedan. It’s powered by an efficient four-cylinder engine and has a longstanding reputation.
Any college student who drives up in the Hyundai Santa Cruz is going to turn heads. This compact pickup truck is versatile and offers ample space for up to five, with room in the bed for all your gear.
Powered by a four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged option, this truck is efficient while still offering plenty of capability. U.S. News and World Report gives the 2023 model a score of 8.2 out of 10, which is above average.
Additional Considerations
While reliability and fuel economy may be two of your main concerns when shopping for a vehicle to suit a college student, you’ll need to think about some other factors. Depending on where your student decides to go to college, you might want the peace of mind that comes from having a vehicle with all-wheel drive.
And, if you’re driving from home to the dorm or an apartment, you’ll want plenty of space to bring along everything you need for the year.
Do You Need AWD Capability?
If you’re going to college in a mountain town or where there’s snow, you might feel more confident on the road with an all-wheel drive vehicle. You’ll find a variety of options in this category, including on-demand AWD.
With this system, you can switch from two-wheel to four-wheel drive when you push a button or flip a switch. One of the benefits is that you only use the extra power when you need it and enjoy greater efficiency the rest of the time.
Plenty of Cargo Space
Another reason to choose one of the reliable SUVs with great fuel economy is the extra cargo space. If you plan to come back home during the school year, you’ll want plenty of room to store your luggage. If you’re renting an apartment and want to take some furniture from home, you’ll appreciate that extra space to haul everything.
Some models come with roof rails as standard, which gives you added space for your stuff. You can attach a cargo box or a bike carrier if you want to take some outdoor equipment with you.
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Insurance
When budgeting for a car during your college years, it’s crucial to factor in car insurance costs. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected expenses. Car insurance provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and other mishaps that can drain your bank account. As a student, you likely have limited resources, so choosing a policy that fits your budget is paramount.
Consider factors such as your driving history, vehicle type, and coverage options. While car insurance may seem like an added expense, it’s an investment in your peace of mind.
So, take the time to research and compare quotes, ensuring you strike a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage. Your future self will thank you.
If you’re ready to find the perfect choice of vehicle for you or your college student, visit Bentley Hyundai. You’ll find a large selection of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars with good gas mileage to choose from.
One of these vehicles, combined with regular maintenance, is a cost-effective solution for college students who need their own wheels.
Image Credit: car budgeting tips for college students by envato.com
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